VeloToze Are a Unique Approach to Shoe Covers

Light, low profile, inexpensive waterproof shoe covers. But…

Tested: VeloToze Tall Shoe Cover
Matt Phillips

Wet, cold feet can ruin a ride fast, making shoe covers a necessity on cool rainy days. VeloToze is a different sort of shoe cover: It’s made of stretchy rubber, and is only good for a few uses. It’s an intriguing product, but one that asks some bigger questions. 

VeloToze are made of natural latex: yep, rubber from a rubber tree. And that means if you have a latex allergy, you’ll want to avoid this product.

The tall cover covered here is offered in eight colors, and sells for $18 a pair. The company also makes a short cover (about ankle height, $15), a toe cover ($13), and a helmet cover ($22) out of the same latex. 

Pulling on the tall VeloToze is different than a typical shoe cover: Before putting on your shoe, you’ll need to pull the shoe cover up to calf height; then pull on the shoe and tighten it up; and finish by hooking the cover over the heel and stretching it over the toe. If you’ve done it right, the cover will be smooth.

In my experience, the tall VeloToze were simple to put on, but do take some grunting/pulling/twisting to get them just right. But because they stretch so much, they do fit better than any shoe cover I’ve ever used. And there are a few tricks to getting them to work their best. For maximum water protection, the top of the cover should be sealed on your skin. If a sock peeks above the cover, or if you’re wearing leg warmers or cycling tights, they’ll pull water down and into your shoe. Also, use tape to seal any vent holes in the sole of your shoe.

     RELATED: These Are the 10 Best Cycling Socks

The seal against the calf is very snug, but I didn’t find it constrictive or uncomfortable. Very quickly I noticed my feet were pleasantly warm; it wasn’t too much longer before I noticed the covers are not very breathable. After wearing them for an hour or so, my feet felt a bit damp and after about seven hours (the high was 60 degrees), my socks and feet were somewhat wet, and there was some water built up between the cover and my shoe. I’d say my feet were just on the good side of gross and swampy.

However, the tall Toze kept the rain and splashes out—though damp, my feet were drier than they would have been uncovered—and blocked the cold breezes. And my shoes were clean and protected.

It’s important to highlight how thin, light, and unobtrusive the VeloToze are. Many covers I’ve used are so thick and clunky that they rub on crank arms or chainstays and gum up cleat engagement. Not the VeloToze. They also have claimed aerodynamic benefits. In wind tunnel testing at 45 km/h, they can save up to 12 to 13 seconds during a 40k time trial, according to a VeloToze representative.

In their favor, VeloToze are biodegradable and pretty inexpensive ($18). But there’s a tradeoff: The VeloToze have a short lifespan. VeloToze doesn’t make any claims other than, “VeloToze products are designed to be used multiple times, but if you take them on and off carefully and follow the proper care instructions, they can last longer.” 

I’ve used them a handful of times with no obvious signs of damage or wear, though I’ve been lucky, I think. All my bikes have toe overlap, and all my shoes have scuff marks on the toes: I’m guessing that I’m a few low-speed turns away from tearing a veloToze. One other tester’s covers tore on his maiden voyage, though he did admit that he was scrambling over boulders when it happened. 

     RELATED: Prevent Freezing Feet on Winter Rides

Beyond the usual, “do they work,” (they do) the VeloToze start a deeper conversation than most products. Credit goes to VeloToze for using a renewable and biodegradable resource. However, though they will biodegrade, rubber takes a long time to break down in a landfill. And though technically recyclable, rubber doesn’t recycle as well as plastics or aluminum cans, so it’s not often done. So, because of their very short life, I have mixed feelings about recommending VeloToze, even though they do work well. 

I’d feel better if VeloToze instituted a take-back program for used-up products (incentivizing the return would be wonderful: one free pair for every five pair returned?), or offered an alternative way to dispose of its products other than the landfill. And it doesn’t help that VeloToze are individually packaged in plastic bags. They are reusable zip bags, which are always handy in a workshop, but they have breather holes, which can let in water, making them not the best choice for your iPhone. 

Another big question: Is it worth buying a less-expensive limited-use product like VeloToze, or a more-expensive product with a longer lifespan like Rapha’s Pro Team Rain Overshoes ($95)? The VeloToze are a fifth the price, but they may only be good for a handful of rides (or less). The Rapha covers are more expensive (and aren’t biodegradable), but one pair should last a long time. You’re not going to cry if you crash (which is more likely if you ride in the rain) and rip your $18 VeloToze; you might if you crash in the Rapha covers. 

I’m not going to try and answer this for you. I will say that in my area (in the dry Southwest), it seems to make more sense to keep a couple pair of VeloToze on hand for the few times a year I might ride in the rain, than to invest in the Rapha. I’ve used the Rapha covers, and they’re very good: If riding in the rain were part of my regular routine, I’d probably invest in them over frequently buying fresh sets of veloToze. 

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Bikes & Gear